Design, construction and initial testing of experimental test package for convective spray cooling in terrestrial gravity conditions

The design and construction of an apparatus for spray cooling tests was completed to better understand the effects of spray cooling with different geometries at varied flow rates and different spray orientations. Three different geometries were studied at four different spray volumetric flow rates varying from 9.3 GPH to 4.6 GPH. At each spray flow rate the heat flux of the small heated pedestal located in the spray chamber was increased from 5 W/cm2 to 32.24 W/cm2. During these tests the spray orientation was changed from a vertical downward spray to a horizontal spray. The convective heat transfer coefficient and preliminary flow visualizations were completed to evaluate the cooling efficiency of sprays

Impact of Interactive Homework on Reading Achievement

Many elementary students read below grade level, resulting in an inability to meet expectations on state testing. Epstein and other researchers theorized 3 influential factors that work together to help students achieve higher levels of attainment-home, school, and community. Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Epstein\u27s Teachers Involve Parents in Schoolwork interactive homework (IH) to promote parent-child communication during learning interactions at home for students in language arts in Grades 6-8; however, there is little information on the effects of IH on reading achievement for elementary students. The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to examine the effect IH has on reading achievement. Third grade students at a school in Georgia participated in IH (n = 18) and non-IH (n = 27) groups over a 9-week period. Reading achievement was measured by comparing standardized pre- and posttests. An analysis of covariance was used to analyze the interval-level pre- and posttest results while controlling for preexisting differences between the treatment and control group. The adjusted mean difference between the groups was not statistically significant. A white paper that discussed the results of the study and recommended further study of IH with incentives to increase participation was the project deliverable. Although findings were not significant, this study may contribute to social change by encouraging dialogue about using and constructing methods that could promote increased reading achievement in the elementary setting, provided adequate student participation

REENERGIZING THE U.S. AND PHILIPPINES RELATIONSHIP: THE “PHILIPPINES BELT AND ROAD” PROPOSAL

The purpose of this thesis is to examine why the United States should care about its future relationship with the Philippines through the overarching lens of Pankaj Ghemawat’s Cultural, Administrative, Geographic, and Economic (CAGE) Distance Framework. In addition, we will delve deeper to investigate a more direct approach using Michael E. Porter’s classic diamond model found in The Competitive Advantage of Nations. Using qualitative and exploratory research methods, we explore three questions. First, why should the United States care from a national security and alliance perspective about an economically stronger Philippines? Second, what does an economically stronger Philippines mean strategically for the United States’ influence in the Southeast Asian region? Finally, what can be done to strengthen the United States and the Philippines relationship? In conclusion, our recommendations provide tangible solutions to current gaps between the Philippines and the United States whether they be cultural, political, or military to facilitate a prosperous relationship while simultaneously thwarting the actions of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) sweeping through Southeast Asia.Lieutenant Commander, United States NavyLieutenant Commander, United States NavyApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited

Application of the Finite Element Method to Some Simple Systems in One and Two Dimensions.

The finite element method (FEM) is reviewed and applied to the one-dimensional eigensystems of the isotropic harmonic oscillator, finite well, infinite well and radial hydrogen atom, and the two-dimensional eigensystems of the isotropic harmonic oscillator and the propagational modes of sound in a rectangular cavity. Computer codes that I developed were introduced and utilized to find accurate results for the FEM eigensolutions. One of the computer codes was modified and applied to the one-dimensional unbound quantum mechanical system of a square barrier potential and also provided accurate results

New Structures and their Applications to Variants of Zero Forcing and Propagation Time

We introduce a generalization of the concept of a chronological list of forces, called a relaxed chronology. This concept is used to introduce a new way of formulating the standard zero forcing process, which we refer to as parallel increasing path covers, or PIPs. The combinatorial properties of PIPs are utilized to identify bounds comparing standard zero forcing propagation time to positive semidefinite propagation time. A collection of paths within a set of PSD forcing trees, called a path bundle, is used to identify the PSD forcing analog of the reversal of a standard zero forcing process, as well as to draw a connection between PSD forcing and rigid-linkage forcing

Analysis of Vocational Rehabilitation Transition Outcomes of Youth from Illinois

The transition to postsecondary education and employment is natural after high school graduation, but is often more difficult and less successful for students with disabilities. The Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)/Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) works in partnership with students with disabilities from around Illinois to provide the Successful Transitional Experience Program (STEP). The purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes of youth with disabilities in the state of Illinois participating in VR transition programs. Five years of transition data from the Illinois VR system was analyzed to determine what demographic and case level factors were different and predicted rehabilitated or nonrehabilitated outcomes. Extensive data cleaning left a total of 22,440 youth to be analyzed. Results indicated there were differences in outcomes based on race, location, disability type, number of services received, office region, and case expenditure. Further, positive postsecondary and employment outcomes were predicted by race and office region, whereas negative outcomes were predicted by race, type of disability, and case expenditure. The data revealed that a small percentage of participants are being successfully rehabilitated in the VR system (16.06%). Based on the data findings, it was recommended that DRS/VR alters and updates the STEP program. It was also recommended that there is a need for clarification of the intake system and eligibility requirements for VR services. Important information was revealed that can be used to help youth with disabilities throughout Illinois achieve positive employment and postsecondary educational outcomes

From the Seed of the Gods: Art, Ideology, and Cultural Exchange with the Persian Court under the Roman Tetrarchs 284-324 CE

Examining a circumscribed period of intense contact, conflict and competition between the late Roman Empire in the west, and the Sasanian Persian Empire in the east, this project reconsiders in a cross-disciplinary light those canonical objects of inquiry that shape modern characterizations of the later Roman Empire. Identifying for the first time significant similarities between late Roman and Sasanian court commissions, the project demonstrates how Roman emperors of the late third and early fourth centuries selectively imported, adapted and repackaged aspects of Sasanian ideology and court culture--including elements of palatial design, performative ceremonial and specific iconographies. It is argued that this cultural appropriation was part of an effort to redress the negative image of Roman power propagated by the Sasanian court